Price$7.95
Media TypeBook
CategoryClose Up
Date AddedSep 20, 2005
Card Magic For Amateurs And Professionals
Simon, Bill
Dover Publications
(Based on 1 review)
Reviews
(Top ▲)
Overview
I don't want to be controversial, just honest, but I don't love this book as many people claim that they do. That does not mean that I dislike the book or think that it is not worthy, I just am not in love with it. It is a solid "like" however.Card Magic for Amateurs and Professionals was originally published as Effective Card Magic and although the later title suggests that it is for amateurs, I think that some lover level amateurs will be a bit frustrated. I think this book is a good fit for magi that already have a solid handle on sleights, moves and skill.
I am giving this 4 stars.
Effect
There are a ton of effects in the books that use sleights and moves and some are trickier than others. It has some creative thinking and some borrowing of ideas as well. This book is known for its second deal explanation and it is a great resource for this move. Some of the tricks may seem a bit of old hat today. This book was originally printed in 1952.I do have to say that the book is so inexpensive that you should have this. And, Simon's Business Card Prophesy is one of my favorite techniques and I use it all the time.
Method
Again, the method depends on the tricks. This book is not an easy peazy self-working card book. It will require some studying for some of the effects.Product Quality
I think the quality of the material is good. At some points I found the explanation a bit confusing and a bit thick. It is just about finding a quiet place to read and re-readAd Copy Integrity
The ad copy states:Widely regarded as one of the most creative minds in card magic, Bill Simon was also an astonishing master of the medium. His inventiveness and expertise are fully evident in this book -- considered by magic authority Martin Gardner as one of the basic texts on card conjuring. In it Simon provides specialists and amateurs alike with the guidance they need to perfect a host of ingenious card tricks.
Helpful suggestions and nearly 100 detailed drawings show you how to execute the Instant Reverse, Three Queens Monte, The Ambitious Card, and many other sleights of hand. You'll also find a wealth of useful information on "the second deal," new tricks, interludes (quick tricks), shuffles, cuts, and more. Mr. Simon's expert advice on the importance of practice, manipulation, the art of presentation, audience participation, patter, and other topics will help you add polish and excitement to any performance.
I personally think that the book should not have the word "amateur" in the title. Maybe it should have been titled "Card Magic for Serious Card Workers" or "Card Magic for the Skilled Card Man".